Wear strip replacement method and apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a method of replacing a worn wear strip located between a rail and a retaining plate, the method comprising positioning a new wear strip adjacent the worn wear strip, securing a clamping apparatus to the rail adjacent the new wear strip opposite the worn wear strip and urging the rail in a direction from the clamping apparatus to the retaining plate until the clamping apparatus abuts the retaining plate, the new wear strip pushing the worn wear strip from its position between the rail and the retaining plate. The invention also provides a clamping apparatus configured to be secured to a rail, the clamping apparatus comprising first and second flanges and a spacer, the first and second flanges and spacer all having at least one bolt hole therethrough, and at least one bolt inserted through the at least one bolt hole.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of replacing a worn wear strip located between a rail and a retaining plate, the method comprising 
 (a) positioning a new wear strip adjacent the worn wear strip;    (b) securing a clamping apparatus to the rail adjacent the new wear strip opposite the worn wear strip; and,    (c) moving the rail in a direction from the clamping apparatus towards the retaining plate until the clamping apparatus abuts the retaining plate, the new wear strip pushing the worn wear strip from its position between the rail and the retaining plate.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the clamping apparatus comprises a spacer between two flanges, with bolts inserted through the flanges and the spacer, and wherein securing the clamping apparatus comprises positioning the flanges on either side of the rail and tightening the bolts.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the spacer comprises a plurality of plates, and wherein securing the clamping apparatus comprises selecting plates to make up the plurality of plates such that the spacer has a width slightly less than a width of the rail.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein moving the rail is accomplished by hydraulic means.  
     
     
         5 . A clamping apparatus configured to be secured to a rail, the clamping apparatus comprising first and second flanges and a spacer, the first and second flanges and spacer all having at least one bolt hole therethrough, and at least one bolt inserted through the at least one bolt hole.  
     
     
         6 . The clamping apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the at least one bolt hole through at least one of the first and second flanges is threaded to secure the at least one bolt therein.  
     
     
         7 . The clamping apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising at least one nut, wherein the at least one bolt is threaded through the at least one nut.  
     
     
         8 . The clamping apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the spacer comprises a plurality of plates.  
     
     
         9 . The clamping apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the spacer comprises a sinngle unit.  
     
     
         10 . The clamping apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the spacer is permanently attached to one of the flanges.  
     
     
         11 . The clamping apparatus of  claim 5  wherein a first portion of the spacer is permanently attached to the first flange and a second portion of the spacer is permanently attached to the second flange.